Express & Star

Wolves keeper John Ruddy: Our quality will shine through

Goalkeeper John Ruddy believes Wolves’ quality will come to the fore during the season – as long as they do the dirty work.

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John Ruddy (AMA / James Baylis)

Wolves have made an excellent start and, depending on tonight’s result between first and third-placed Leeds and Cardiff, could go to Sheffield United tomorrow knowing victory will take them top of the Championship for the first time since 2009.

Ruddy, an ever present in the league, is delighted with Wolves’ form ahead of tough-looking away trips to face the Blades and then Burton Albion on Saturday.

He thinks that hard work will be the key to getting the best from their obvious quality going forward.

“More often than not in this league you have to match the application of the other teams,” Ruddy told the Express & Star.

“Without sounding dismissive of anyone else, I think the quality we’ve got in our team will shine through as long as we do the dirty work first.

“I think if we do that we should hopefully come through not just the Sheffield United game but the Burton game as well.”

Wolves are 9/4 favourites with many bookies to win the Championship title.

The 30-year-old admits Wolves have already got a target on their back.

“Before the season started we were made one of the favourites to go up which automatically puts a target on your back and when you are living up to that billing early in the season and up the top end you become even more of a target,” he added.

“Teams make it difficult, they sit behind the ball and frustrate us. We’ve got a lot of good footballers and some dynamic power and speed up front which will be perfect for us going forward.

“At this moment in time we’re relying on the same players and that’s why it’s good in the cup games that players who maybe aren’t playing as many minutes at the moment are taking their chance in that competition as well.”